Responsible innovation

The aim of this book is to open a new field of study within Responsible innovation that sees narration within the workplace as a playing central analytical role within daily decision-making practices. Through case studies, the research presented aims to demonstrate how narration in a craft workspace leads to an appreciation of beauty through the acquisition of a skilled vision, allowing the construction and sharing of a framework of working practices. These findings are then comparatively applied to science laboratory settings. The argument is developed through the analysis of two ‘poiesis intensive’ practices, the first situated within a furniture restoration workshop in Manchester (UK) and the second in a biotechnology laboratory in Utrecht (NL).

All persons involved in research and innovation take responsibility by identifying possible consequences of their work at an early stage.The associated options for action can then be systematically evaluated according to the extent to which they correspond to social needs and values.The fundamental questions are as follows: What kind of innovation do we want?What is it supposed to achieve for us as a society?What kind of research should be funded?RRI thus emphasises the importance of the public for innovation processes.Societal desirability and acceptance, in addition to economic benefits, will thus become central drivers of RTI.
For whom is research done?
The fact that technologies are to be developed responsibly is nothing new.Various branches of research have long been concerned with this goal: participation, forward-looking governance, open innovation, socio-technical integration, and last but not least, technology assessment.What is new about RRI is that it builds on these different approaches and connects them in a new way.The goal: a profound change in research policy and the innovation system.The concept is already a fundamental cross-cutting theme for EU research funding.
However, for RRI to really make an impact, lots more still needs to be done.At present, politicians and researchers are primarily concerned with the future of RRI.There is a lack of a broader discourse that systematically includes industry and non-governmental organisations.From an Austrian point of view, the adaptation of the European draft to national circumstances is particularly missing.It is precisely here that technology assessment can make a significant contribution to the formulation and implementation of RRI.Technology assessment draws on many years of practical experience in assessing the consequences of technical innovations.For example, foresight and participation methods are applied and continuously refined.
In brief

•
Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is at the top of the European research policy agenda.

•
Research, technology and innovation (RTI) actors should make significant contributions to solving the major societal challenges.In addition to economic benefits, the societal benefits of technologies should also be considered.

•
For RRI to be successful, decision-makers must realign the framework for RTI policies.The EU has developed a number of proposals for this.However, these should be refined and adapted to national conditions.

Implementation -but how?
RRI can create a new framework for research and innovation in Europe.In the future, innovative products and services will increasingly orientate themselves towards fundamental European values and contribute specifically to finding solutions to the great societal challenges of the 21 st century.
The following key criteria, amongst others, have been proposed at EU level for the implementation of RRI: Scientific education.Conditions must be created so that people in research and development can take responsibility for socially important topics.
Ethics.RRI explicitly refers to values and fundamental rights shared throughout Europe.Ethical standards are understood as an incentive and standard to produce relevant and acceptable research results, products, and services.
Open Access.Transparency and free access to scientific results from publicly funded research should stimulate and support innovation.
The criteria proposed by the EU Commission should contribute to the implementation of RRI.However, not everything that can be related to them is already a contribution to RRI.It would also be a mistake wanting to define basic research as a specific societal benefit from the outset -ethical standards, on the other hand, also apply to basic research.

What to do?
In Austrian research and innovation policy, RRI has played only a minor role so far.However, the new approach has a high priority in the European research area.Therefore, a more in-depth discussion of RRI at national level is essential.There is a particular need for action in three areas: • Research needs.RRI basically aims at a completely different innovation system with new rules, objectives and institutional arrangements.Therefore, fundamental studies should comprehensively analyse the potential impact of RRI on the existing national innovation system.In particular, an evaluation of the Austrian research funding landscape with regard to RRI would be useful.
Ongoing refinement of RRI is essential.Discussions on the content, necessary instruments and methods as well as the political feasibility are urgently needed.Overall, it is a question of a productive discussion of the mission statement and the development of specific Austrian priorities and positions on RRI.In order to further develop RRI, representatives of politics, research funding, science, industry, and civil society must work together.Politicians should actively promote exchange and create appropriate framework conditions for constructive dialogue.